"(We are) definitely happy to have it back. Overjoyed, I've just been smiling all morning," pastor Kevin Bartley said

According to witnesses and police, thieves took off with the steel cross on Saturday around 2:15 pm.

The cross is believed to weigh nearly two tons. Witnesses said the thieves dragged the sacred symbol by latching it onto the back of a pop-up trailer.

According to church member Kenny Wise, who was briefed by police, when the vehicle went west on Comanche Road, the cross struck another vehicle, and eventually caused the pop-up trailer to screech to a halt.

The thieves abandoned their broken-down vehicle and the cross on Comanche Road and Alexander Boulevard.

Amanda Kooser spotted the cross on a curb and called the city to report it.

"I told them, 'You're going to need some big equipment because that is a giant metal cross,'" Kooser said.

Bartley has no ill will toward the thieves who stole his church's cross.

"I want to tell whoever it is that stole the cross that we harbor no ill feelings, absolutely forgive them. As a matter of fact, they're welcome to come to church sometime," Bartley said.